Asia is the world’s largest continent, covering 1/3 of the world's surface area and is home to over 60% of the earth's population. This large population gives Asia great ethnic and cultural diversity, expressed in the many languages, traditions, and spiritual practices of its peoples. High population densities have also created pressure in both urban and rural areas, contributing to extreme poverty throughout Asia.
Our work in Asia has focused on partnering with organizations of artisans and farmers determined to use fair trade as a strategy to alleviate poverty and to build economic alternatives. Many of our partners in Asia work specifically with women or indigenous tribal peoples, providing them with opportunities to earn a dignified living in addition to providing social programs. From projects supporting street children and women in the Philippines to providing scholarship funds for girls in Nepal, our partners in Asia offer a stunning variety of crafts and a diverse list of ways they are contributing to the positive development of their communities.
Where we work in Asia:
SERRV works with 34 artisan groups in 12 countries throughout Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Meet some of our artisan partners in Asia
Get Paper Industries, Nepal
Get Paper is a 125-member hand-made paper products cooperative in The YWCA of Dhaka Craft Centre was started in 1973 to provide training in sewing and embroidery for women, many of whom had been abandoned or abused by their husbands. The Center's programs currently benefit 400 women. Read more about YWCA of Dhaka.